KARACHI: Pakistan's head coach Waqar Younis expressed excitement Thursday over the imminent return of Mohammad Amir following a five-year ban for spot-fixing.

Amir, 23, is favourite to get the selectors' nod for a tour of New Zealand, where Pakistan will play three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals.

The squad for the Twenty20s is likely to be announced on Friday.

Waqar said Amir had plenty to offer.

“I am very excited over his comeback,” Waqar told AFP.

“Amir is on the right path and has worked really hard in the fitness camp and I believe this kid has plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket,” he added.

Waqar said Amir needed support.

“It may take time for Amir to attain the same zip which he had in 2010, so we should not pressurise him and support him so that he can get back to his best.”

Since his return, he has taken 22 wickets in four non first-class games, while his tally of wickets in the qualifying rounds of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy stood at 34.